Ikaruga on XBLA

Mr E

... on Wednesday! Fantastic game, can't wait to see what its like in HD.

The Japanese arcade hit "Ikaruga" receives the full Xbox LIVE Arcade treatment and is poised to launch on the platform this Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).

"Ikaruga" is a fast-paced scrolling shooter with a twist - players must constantly switch their ship's polarity to maximize their damage output and avoid incoming enemy fire of the opposite polarity.

"Ikaruga" on Xbox LIVE Arcade features a two-player co-op mode both locally and over Xbox LIVE. Newcomers can also easily bring their skill up to speed by using the game's slow motion training mode.

"Ikaruga" is a perfect combination of beautiful, manga-style storytelling and challenging arcade heroics, all brought to life in a gorgeous HD environment.

Gamers itching to obtain a moment of "Ikaruga" glory will be wise to master the chaining system that detects when enemies of the same polarity are destroyed consecutively. Doing so will reward players with huge score bonuses, which will be key to topping "Ikaruga's" leaderboards.

The ability to relive a particularly harrowing battle is also possible thanks to the game's record and replay function, which is new to the Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game.

From the Japanese developer Treasure, "Ikaruga" will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Independent developer Void Star Creations unveils two new downloadable content packs for their hit Xbox LIVE Arcade title, "Poker Smash" this Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT). The new content includes two Action Mode Environments in the Environment Pack and an additional 15 Puzzles in the Puzzle Pack, giving "Poker Smash" players a total of 13 immersive environments and 70 mind bending puzzles. The "Poker Smash" Environment Pack and Puzzle Pack will each be available for 100 Microsoft Points.

Retr0gamer

Yep it really is amazing. I won't be buying it though, took me long enough to get good enough to beat it with 5 credits on the gamecube.

tman

Never really gave it a proper go on the cube (but loved what I played of it)
I'll give it a lash now, hopefully the achievements will help me stick with it when the going gets tough...

TheDoc

this the game with the changing colours and you have to change your ship

the scrolling shooter?

or am i totally off the ball

Mr E

Thats the one....

Here is a gameplay trailer...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydNlV054Tgs

Zapp Brannigan

Might give it a bash... after my exams of course!

Fnz

Couldn't find it on the Cube - so will definitely pick it up now.

"two-player co-op mode both locally and over Xbox LIVE" - W00t!

Now I hope they release the other game I couldn't find (way back when) - the original Jet Set Radio.

Retr0gamer

I hope this does well and we see the other Treasure shoot'em ups. Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V on xbox live arcade would be just wonderful.

tman

Mr E wrote: »

Thats the one....

Here is a gameplay trailer...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydNlV054Tgs

I kind of skipped through that, but whoever is playing sucks even more than me!
They don't even change colours once from what I watched

Retr0gamer

tman wrote: »

I kind of skipped through that, but whoever is playing sucks even more than me!
They don't even change colours once from what I watched

Yep they are absolutely dreadful. Even a shmup chimp like me was starting to chain the first level on my second go through it and I did change colour a least.

jayteecork

I got sh1t hot at this on Cube. That was years ago, mind you, so I'm sh1te again at it.

Probably the best designed shooter I've played, pure genius.

TheDoc

might pick it up when i get home

Vyse

I have it on the DC. Was never particularly good at it (I don't think I got past level 2). Maybe I'll progress a bit further with online co-op:)

Retr0gamer

Vyse wrote: »

I have it on the DC. Was never particularly good at it (I don't think I got past level 2). Maybe I'll progress a bit further with online co-op:)

Co-op is really just a novelty because it doesn't really work. It's obvious when you play it that the game was designed from the ground up as single player game.

grimm2005

always wanted to play this game, looks fantastic but didn't get a chance to cos my dreamcast broke. Gonna pick up a 360 in a couple of weeks so will likely get it then

Gerard_Smith

Why on earth is it only available in demo mode?

Fnz

Gerard_Smith wrote: »

Why on earth is it only available in demo mode?

I was wondering the same thing earlier. Read the first post and all will be revealed!